In her eulogy, his friend Janet Holmes a Court quoted the former US ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich on the outstanding qualities Mr Underwood, pictured, brought to the role he performed with distinction for six years and three months until his death from complications following kidney surgery on July 7, aged 76.

“Peter Underwood has all the qualities one needs in a governor: intellect, integrity, passion, grace, charm, moral courage, a sense of humour and an ability to relate to people from all walks of life,” she said.

About 1000 people attended yesterday’s state funeral at Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall including his widow Frances Underwood and members of their large extended family, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and interstate governors, Premier Will Hodgman, past and present judges, a multitude of state and federal politicians, servicemen and women and many members of Tasmania’s legal fraternity and emergency services.

Its entry heralded by trumpets of the Australian Army Band, the Governor’s flag-draped coffin was topped with an arrangement of flowers drawing from the state’s botanical emblems – including lilies, tulips and violets from the gardens of Government House – as well as apples, hops and wheat.

Roses and waratahs symbolised his origins and his adopted home.

The music of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra – of which Mr Underwood served as chairman – and voices of the TSO chorus featured in the service.

Tasmanian Governor Peter Underwood served for six years and three months in the vice-regal post.Source: News Limited

The Governor was remembered as a courageous advocate for justice, a devoted family man and a governor who loved every moment he spent serving the people of his state.

Former Governor William Cox knew Mr Underwood from their days as law students in the mid-1950s through their time as practising barristers and judges and remembered an energetic and vibrant man with a deep expertise in the law.

Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor Alan Blow recalled a fair, efficient and courteous judge who was able to cut waiting times for criminal trials in half during his time as chief justice.

“He died in his prime with much more to give – he will be much missed by a great many people,” he said.

The Governor’s official secretary, David Owen, said Mr Underwood
was an intrinsically honest man. “And from time to time – especially in high office – bravery and courage are required to be honest,” he said.

At his Anzac Day address this year, Mr Underwood called for a Year of Peace to be observed and for greater support for peace studies as a fitting tribute to those lost in war.

The comments were briefly controversial in some quarters.

Mourners at the state funeral service for former Tasmanian governor Peter Underwood.Source: News Corp Australia

George Underwood said his father was a man who never stopped passing on what he knew.

“He was always there, ready to guide, advise and mentor whenever I would seek his advice – and sometimes when I didn’t,” he said.

Sarah Heathcoate said her father’s sense of justice was so deep-seated he once insisted a police officer fine him instead of letting him off with a caution for speeding.

In her eulogy, Frances Underwood said she was mourning a devoted and loving husband who brought her a cup of tea every morning.

“Peter was everything to me, and I to him,” she said.

She thanked the public for the hundreds of letters of condolence and flowers received since Mr Underwood’s death.

Following the service, Premier Will Hodgman said Mr Underwood made an extraordinary Tasmanian.

Comments on this story

Paul Audcent of Longley Posted at 11:21 AM July 22, 2014

A good man was our past Governor, an honest and decent one.

Tom Baxter of Hobart Posted at 8:22 AM July 22, 2014

An immensely moving memorial for such an inspiring man. Vale Peter Underwood. Thank you for all you did for Tasmania. So strong in service until the end. Thank you all involved in the state funeral - a fine and fitting tribute.
Rest in peace.